Why am I interested in MYC phosphorylation? What is MYC?
Long-time readers of The Niche probably remember that the MYC family is one of my primary interests. These proteins are essential for normal development (and stem cell function) as well as contributing to the formation of many tumors when overexpressed or mutated. MYC was also one of the original four Yamanaka factors for reprogramming.
MYC’s behavior as a protein is in part controlled by its phosphorylation, which in part works to regulate the levels of MYC family proiteins. A new paper describes an interesting function of one particular kind of MYC phosphorylation at S62. A common mutation in cancer, MYC T58A, prevents normal phosphorylation at that site, locking MYC in a stable, highly active state with persistent serine 62 phosphorylation. The new paper from Rosalie Sears provides new insights into the functions of that S62 phosphorylation. We’ll start there.
Recommended reads
- MYC serine 62 phosphorylation promotes its association with DNA double-strand breaks to facilitate repair and cell survival under genotoxic stress, G&D. Sometimes it feels like we’ll never fully understand MYC. I remember a critique of one of my grant proposals back maybe 15 years where a knucklehead reviewer said something like, “We already fully understand MYC” as a criticism. Sure.
- Why do astronauts’ bodies waste away? Space-station study points to mitochondria, Nature.
- For Families Facing a Deadly Brain Cancer, Scientific Progress Can’t Come Soon Enough, NYT. This is about the brain tumors that my lab studies, diffuse midline glioma or DMG. The key mutation is in histone H3.3. My team also studies the normal functions of H3.3. Unlike 5-10 years ago, there are now reasons for some cautious hope about the future. DMG are incredibly adaptable though.
- FDA plans to name permanent CBER, CDER heads with new commissioner nomination, EndPoints. They are going to inherit big problems.
Aging research
- Reversal of protein chemical aging by enzymatic deglycation, Nat Comm. This is interesting, but the longevity folks on social media are claiming it’s the best thing ever.
- Senescent cell heterogeneity in brain aging and neurodegenerative disease, Neuron.
- Thymulin restrains age-associated myeloid inflammation and enhances cancer immunotherapy, Nat Comm.
- Can a world-first gene therapy reverse ageing? – podcast, The Guardian. Great overview of the ER-100 trial including hopes and risks.
Conflicted PCAC recommends most of the peptides that RFK Jr. wants “freed”
Watching this meeting was both interesting and kind of painful because most of the time most of the PCAC members ignored what the FDA experts had to say about these unproven peptide drugs.
Also, as I wrote before, this PCAC has many members who stand to gain from their own votes on peptides. How is that OK? It’s not, but at this HHS, COIs don’t matter.